Cover Image: The Chelsea Girls

The Chelsea Girls

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Member Reviews

Thank you for the advance copy of The Chelsea Girls by Fiona Davis. This was my first title I've read by this author, and was looking forward to reading it. The writing was excellent and the plot flowed smoothly, but it just couldn't keep my attention. I do plan on trying again at a later date, perhaps it just was one of those instances where if I try it again 6 months from now I'll love it.

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This story set in the McCarthy era is chilling. It is a reminder what happens to people who are persecuted for their speech or opinion. This centers around the entertainment world and two friends, Hazel and Maxine, and how the McCarthy investigation impacts their lives.

The two meet in Naples, Italy in an USO troupe entertainment troupe. Hazel becomes a budding playwright and Maxine a famous actress after the War. They unite to put on Hazel's first play on Broadway when the charge of Communism raises its ugly head. The aftermath shapes their lives forever.

There is an amazing twist and the setting of the Chelsea Hotel adds great atmosphere. The time period portrayal seems very accurate. The story of friendship is lovely. It is a very timely story that has resonates with our situation today.

Thanks to Net Galley for a copy of this book in exchange for a fair review.

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I loved this book! Strong female friendships, history, intrigue, romance, conflicting loyalties – Davis covers it all. And if you have problem following the dual timelines, this book does not do that. While presented with the alternating perspectives of Hazel and Maxine, the superb character development makes all the characters very real to the reader.


Hazel and Maxine meet in 1945 while they are both on a USO tour and quickly become fast friends. When the war is over hazel and Maxine go their separate ways. But then in 1950 they reunite when Maxine, now a Hollywood starlet, moves to NYC and joins playwright Hazel at the Chelsea Hotel. Both seem destined for success until McCarthyism and accusations of being a Communist shake up the entertainment industry. Davis perfectly captures the sense of fear and intimidation that existed at that time.


I highly recommend this excellent book. This book was given to me by the publisher but all opinions are my own.

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What a treat for fans of historical fiction the The Chelsea Girls is! Step into the glamorous 1950's after the second world war and look a little deeper into some unfortunate events at the hands of McCarthyism that targeted innocent members of the Broadway scene. A young playwright, Hazel, has written a script that quickly sets the Broadway scene by storm. Never did Hazel imagine that just hours after finishing the final version of her script, her dreams would come true. When Hazel finds herself at the eclectic and lively Chelsea Hotel and meets one of it's most influential residents she is quickly tasked with delivering her play to this woman by the end of the night. From there things move quickly as her play is called brilliant and set to open on Broadway just a few short months later. She hits a temporary snag when her old friend Maxine, now a young Hollywood actress, drops in and somehow scores the leading part- much to Hazel's hesitation. Maxine is a wonderful actress, but is far from being right for the roll. Hazel has no idea that this is the beginning of a series of mistakes that will decide her future. What secrets and lies are being told that mark the undoing of not only the play, but Hazel's career? Will Hazel have the last word?

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I’ll admit upfront that I’m a fan of Fiona Davis’ novels. She always weaves an incredible storyline with a remarkable cast of characters. I don’t just read her books; I feel like I fall into them.

Maxine Mead & Hazel Riley were destined to become either best friends or bitter enemies. They meet in Italy as WWII is ending. Their job at the USO was to entertain the solders with theatrical plays and numbers to help them forget for a while. However, the horrible events that Maxine & Hazel witness forever impact them. Both return to the US after the war. One becomes a huge starlit with an abundance of secrets to go along with her beauty and smiles. The other can’t stop thinking about what they witnessed during the war; she endeavors to write a play in remembrance and bare witness to the atrocities that come with war.

Both women come home to a different kind of fight, one that threatens to stifle creativity and creative freedom. When one whisper of Communism could alter a career, a life forever. The Chelsea Girls was a bit long, but I enjoyed it and I would recommend it.

I received an advance copy of this book. All opinions are my own.

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This is the third book I've read by Fiona Davis and my least favorite of the three. There's a lot to like about it, I think it just struck me as less developed than her books about the Dakota and Grand Central terminal. Those books both had a dual timeline, whereas The Chelsea Girls does not, so perhaps that's where my interests are more drawn in. This novel took me a long time to finish. I don't know if that says more about the book or about my busy schedule - probably a bit of both. I do think that the dual timelines in her previous books built up more suspense as I was eager to see how the timelines would converge. For whatever reason, this one didn't draw me in like the others.

The novel begins during WWII and follows a friendship between two entertainers on a USO tour and follows their personal and professional lives through the McCarthy era "Red Scare" when many entertainers were blackballed from the entertainment industry. I appreciate this subject matter in historical fiction at a time when the U.S. is so politically divided that it seems that the public is very susceptible to political posturing and witch hunts. I enjoy Fiona Davis's writing talents and look forward to her next book.

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Struggling actress, Hazel Ripley, tries to escape from her disappointed, tyrannical stage mother by joining the USO during the waning days of WWII. There she meets bombshell actress Maxine Mead and the two form a strong friendship. While in Italy Maxine urges Hazel to try her hand at play writing and directing, and Hazel finds her true calling. After the war, Maxine sets her sights on Hollywood, while Hazel returns to New York and Broadway. Finding herself once more under her mother’s control, Hazel escapes again, this time to the famed Chelsea Hotel, home to writers, actors, musicians and artists of all types. Everything begins to fall into place for Hazel when a play she has written is set to be produced in a New York theater and she is allowed to direct. In addition, Maxine has returned from Hollywood, and had agreed to star in the production. Unfortunately all does not go according to plan. Joseph McCarthy, who has decimated the movie industry with his accusations of communism against so many innocents, has now turned his attention to Broadway. Hazel’s name appears on a list of communist sympathizers and it appears her dreams of a career as a playwright may be over before it even begins. If this was not bad enough, Hazel soon discovers that her friendship with Maxine may not be all it seems to be.

Through her historical fiction, Fiona Davis, has become known for her portrayal of New York landmarks such as the Barbizon Hotel, the Dakota and Grand Central Terminal. This time she expertly brings the Chelsea Hotel to life. The famed building with its stairway of artwork, its architecture and décor, as well as the eccentric residents and staff give the reader a true sense of time and place. Her descriptions of the theater world and all that goes into casting, staging and costuming a production are wonderful. However, Davis’ true achievement this time around is her recounting of the McCarthy witch hunts into the entertainment industry. It is a black spot on our nation’s history that ruined the lives and livelihoods of many innocent people. Those accused of being communist sympathizers were given a choice of turning on their colleagues and friends or being found guilty themselves, even threatened with jail time.

The main and supporting characters, especially Hazel, are vibrant and engaging, while the sights and sounds of 1950's New York City come alive on the pages. A heartbreaking tale about the true meaning of friendship, set in an era that Americans should never forget. I highly recommend this book to fans of historical fiction and women’s fiction, those who like stories about the theater, and especially to those interested in reading about McCarthyism.

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Had I not read City of Girls right before this book, I may have liked this one better. Unfortunately, however, both books are set in the theater world in NYC in post-WW II and City of Girls was far superior. This book started of well but quickly tried to take this turn and/or twist to surprise the reader but it just fell flat. By the end, I was bored and ready for it to end. Hope you have more luck than I did or just read City of Girls instead!!

The Chelsea Girls comes out later this month on July 30, 2019 and you can purchase HERE.

By renaming those who have already been named, you confirmed the politicians' view that there are subversives lurking around every corner who might be a danger to this country. You reminded everyone in the artistic community that they could be fired, have their career upended, have their lives ruined, if they don't do what you just did. You've prolonged the agony for all of us. These aren't just names, they're real people who'll be turned into pariahs because you added fuel to the fire.

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"The bright lights of the theater district, the glamour and danger of 1950s New York, and the wild scene at the iconic Chelsea Hotel come together in a dazzling new novel about a twenty-year friendship that will irrevocably change two women's lives - from the national bestselling author of The Dollhouse and The Address.

From the dramatic redbrick facade to the sweeping staircase dripping with art, the Chelsea Hotel has long been New York City's creative oasis for the many artists, writers, musicians, actors, filmmakers, and poets who have called it home - a scene playwright Hazel Riley and actress Maxine Mead are determined to use to their advantage. Yet they soon discover that the greatest obstacle to putting up a show on Broadway has nothing to do with their art, and everything to do with politics. A Red scare is sweeping across America, and Senator Joseph McCarthy has started a witch hunt for Communists, with those in the entertainment industry in the crosshairs. As the pressure builds to name names, it is more than Hazel and Maxine's Broadway dreams that may suffer as they grapple with the terrible consequences, but also their livelihood, their friendship, and even their freedom.

Spanning from the 1940s to the 1960s, The Chelsea Girls deftly pulls back the curtain on the desperate political pressures of McCarthyism, the complicated bonds of female friendship, and the siren call of the uninhibited Chelsea Hotel."

To me, summer means the stifling heat of New York City, which is perhaps why I recently rewatched Rosemary's Baby and definitely why you should check out this book!

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Thank you NetGalley, Penguin Group; Dutton and Ms. Fiona Davis for the opportunity to read this Advanced Readers Copy of "The Chelsea Girls"

"The Chelsea Girls" is a tour de force story taking us from the fields of World War ll USO shows to Broadway and then on to movie sets of old Hollywood.

Filled with intrigue, deceptions, half truths and scathing dark secrets these characters come alive in this fast paced novel.
Living at the famous Chelsea Hotel after the war has ended, "Hazel", ambitious and shy aspires to be a playwright, "Maxine", glamorous and outgoing, dreams of Hollywood stardom.

However, amidst the turbulent years of the McCarthy administration and campaign, their journey is a twisted tale of lies, spies and treachery that time can't heal.

Fiona Davis, bestselling and beloved author of The Masterpiece, The Address and The Dollhouse brings us her latest Historical Fiction creation that should not be missed!

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#partner 🤝 #bookreview 📚

#TheChelseaGirls by Fiona Davis. Genre: Historical fiction (also fiction, mystery). Release date: July 31. 📚

Female friendships sustaining the worst of times. Through World War II, the era of McCarthyism, the Cold War & the Red Scare. And a NY hotel which brought together writers, poets & playwrights, actors & actresses, musicians, filmmakers, even refugees. The Chelsea girls spans the 1940s to the 1960s. 📚

Ms. Davis shines a spot light on the terror & impact of McCarthyism and its devastating affect on Broadway and the theater world (as it had done to films and television). 📚

Without alternating timelines, this was a bit of a departure for me from Ms. Davis's previous novels, all of which I loved, but that didn't take away from the story, and I was swept along with Hazel and Maxine. As with previous books, Ms. Davis has a true gift for fully immersing readers like myself in an era and keeping me hooked until the end. 5 of 5⭐️ 📚

#ThankYou again to #DuttonBooks and #NetGalley for the complimentary e-galley of The Chelsea Girls! 📚

Is this one on your #TBRlist yet? (synopsis in comments) 📚

#bookstagram #bookworm #booksofinstagram #booknerd #booklover #bookstagrammer #bookrec #bookish #bibliophile #igreads #summerreading #whattoreadnext #thesummerofAllthehistoricalfiction #historicalfiction
#genxbookstagrammers #theeclecticspoonie 7/17/19

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I love historical fiction, and Fiona Davis does not disappoint in all the aspects of a great book...history, love, WWII, excellent writing. I am so honored to be able to preview this ARC. Thank you!

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Spanning from the end of WWII to the 1960s, The Chelsea Girls by Fiona Davis dives into the political and cultural climate of post-WWII America where friends Hazel and Maxine are determined to make their mark. They take up rooms in the legendary Chelsea Hotel, home to a variety of artistic types, where Hazel begins work on a play inspired by her and Maxine's experience on the USO tour in Naples. With Maxine in the lead role of Hazel's play, the pair seem destined to be the talk of the town, but they quickly discover the dangers of being ensnared in the country's hunt for Communists to both their professional and personal lives.

This book combined two of my favorite things: historical fiction and theater. While I've read plenty of books set during WWII, I haven't read many about the period following the war particularly dealing with McCarthyism and everything that went with that. It was fascinating to read more about what it was like for those in the entertainment industry during this time, when anything from a person's past could be brought up as evidence that they were working to spread the Communist agenda in America. The story unfolded in such a way that gave you hints as to what was to come but without fully revealing things until the proper time and this kept me invested the whole way. A great historical fiction read and I'll definitely be reading more by Fiona Davis soon!

4/5 stars

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First and foremost, thank you, Dutton and netgalley, for giving me the opportunity to read this beautiful eARC! It has become my favorite novel of 2019.

I honestly don’t know where to begin with The Chelsea Girls because there is so much to unpack, and I. Am. Here. For. It! Davis creates a beautiful work of metafiction that brings the ghosts and living of the famed Chelsea Hotel to life. While she turns the Chelsea Hotel into a living and breathing entity that showcases the transformation of times, Davis’s work of historical fiction truly creates a haunting commentary on the fear-mongering and witch hunts that took place during the 1940s Red Scare, and her words are more relevant to today than anyone can realize.

The Chelsea Girls incorporates women empowerment, forbidden love, acceptance and rejection, success and failure, and espionage, which is all told through a switching between point of view. Hazel and Maxine, the main characters, are two women that drive and influence on another and portray the true tenants sisterhood. We follow their relationship from beginning to end and experience their highs and lows like we were present.

The Chelsea Girls gave me everything I look for in a novel and more. I laughed out loud, teared up, soundly gasped, spoke to the characters as if they could speak back, and got chills (hello, ASMR anyone?). This thought provoking novel is an astounding work of fiction that needs to be added to everyone’s to be read list.

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Hazel Riley, a struggling actress, doesn't like Maxine Mead, a vivacious bombshell, when she first meets her on a USO tour during the end of WWII. United after a savage act, they become friends and begin to bring out the best in each other. With the backdrop of the legendary Chelsea Hotel, Fiona Davis brings to life the frightening and devastating era of McCarthy's Red Scare to the entertainment communities and the entire country following the war. Similar to some of the current events in our country, the pervasive blanket of hate and fear sewn by McCarthy destroys lives and ruins friendships. This story helped me to see that shameful era of our country's past from the eyes of those who were tragically effected by it. Great historical fiction!

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I requested early access to The Chelsea Girls: A Novel by Fiona Davis because I loved this author’s previous book, The Dollhouse. Thank you, NetGalley!

This new work of historical fiction is set in 1950’s New York. The Chelsea Hotel is a haven for artists, actors, and creative types. Hazel (an aspiring playwright) and Maxine (an aspiring actress) live there after returning from a USO tour in Italy where they entertained soldiers towards the end of WWII. While Hazel pens a play inspired by their time in Italy and Maxine (now a big star) takes the leading role, the novel moves into McCarthyism and its quest to find communist infiltration in the “arts” and the effects, immediate and longer-lasting, of these investigations.

“Screenwriters became typists to earn a buck. Brilliant actors sold shoes to make a living.”

As in The Dollhouse, I appreciated a historical peek into the lifestyles of this time, place, and group of people who lived in an actual building that is now on the national registry of historic places. I also appreciated the insight into this political movement, and the threat of communism to the U.S. during this time period both real and perceived. Themes of friendship, loyalty, and the process of creating weave throughout the political themes.

The beginning read like WWII historical fiction and I realized there is previously nothing else on my WWII list set in Italy.

I am happy to recommend this interesting and entertaining read as part of my summer reading list.

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I had high hopes for this book as I greatly enjoyed the other novels by Fiona Davis, but this book fell flat for me. The time period was interesting, especially because there isn't much historical fiction set during the McCarthy Era. Unfortunately the book was overly dramatic and tragic without much character development. I was disappointed.

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I love Fiona Davis. I want to be her friend, to go to brunch, to walk around history filled places in New York. I want to know her process, how she manages to capture specific and familiar locations and add such a heart to them in her writing.

The Chelsea Girls is a bit of a departure for Davis. Instead of dueling timelines and narrators, The Chelsea Girls is the story of one friendship during the 1940-1960s. Hazel and Maxine meet on a USO tour and despite their initial frosty meeting, they slowly become friends which later develops into a deeper friendship as the years go by.

Throw in the Chelsea Hotel, Broadway and the Communist witch hunt from Joseph McCarthy, and you've got a book that has history, love, loss and friendship at its core.

I can't wait to see what comes next from Fiona Davis.

Thanks to NetGalley, the publisher, and Fiona Davis for the opportunity to read and review this book.

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A memorable historical fiction of friendship, betrayal and pursuits of Broadway glamour. Set in the 1950's New York City, living in the bohemian Chelsea Hotel, amid the communist Red Scare overtaking America. Well developed and full of unexpected twists of events, I really enjoyed this novel! Thank you for the early reader copy. All opinions are my own.

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The Chelsea Hotel in New York was always a home for artists and eccentrics. Meeting on a USO tour during World War II, Hazel and Maxine form a friendship that lasts after they return home. Maxine goes to Hollywood to try to break into the movies, while Hazel moves into the Chelsea Hotel and works on an idea for a play. Another Chelsea Hotel resident reads the play and hooks Hazel up with some of her theater connections. Maxine’s movie career has stalled, so she returns to New York and takes a room at the Chelsea. When she hears that Hazel’s play will be performed on Broadway, she is determined to star as the leading lady. Maxine secures the role, but it results in disaster as both women and many of their friends are swept up in McCarthyism, HUAC, and the communist witch hunts of the 1950s. I can’t think of another novel that addresses the activities of HUAC and the consequences for artists, actors, and others in the creative fields this well. Chelsea Girls would make a great book club book, since there is much to discuss here.

(If you don’t know what HUAC was, it was the House Un-American Activities Committee, originally formed to investigate the possibility of spies sending information to Russia, but quickly descended into a witch hunt focusing on the entertainment industry. Sort of like a precursor to Homeland Security.)

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